Cancer

Cancer Control Programs

Colorectal Cancer Screening

The "80% by 2018" is a National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable initiative in which more than 1,000 organizations have committed to substantially reducing colorectal cancer as a major public health problem for those 50 and older. These organizations are working toward the shared goal of 80% of adults aged 50 and older being regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. The 80% by 2018 initiative is led by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (an organization co-founded by ACS and CDC).

The 80% by 2018 pledge is a non-binding commitment that encourages health systems to track (through an annual survey that is distributed nationwide by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, or NCCRT) and increase colorectal cancer screening rates.

How to get screened for Colorectal Cancer

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that average risk adults aged 50 to 74 years be screened for colorectal cancer by one of the following regimens.

Type of test

How often?

High-Sensitivity Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

Once a year

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

Once a year

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Every 5 years

Flexible SigmoidoscopyCombined with
FIT

Every 10 years

Once a year

Colonoscopy

Every 10 years

Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.

The Impact of Colorectal Cancer on Montanans

Cancer is the leading cause of death among Montana residents. About 2,000 Montanans die of cancer each year. (Data Source: Montana Office of Vital Statistics, 2010-2015)